Britain, Bollywood and Bharat

Britain has long played a role in Bollywood and Indian cinema, serving as both a backdrop and a narrative force across decades of storytelling. From the colonial era’s lingering shadows to contemporary tales of romance, ambition, and diaspora, British locations, culture, and history have found their way onto Indian screens in fascinating ways. Whether it’s the grand streets of London or the quiet countryside, Britain has provided a cinematic landscape that reflects India’s changing relationship with the UK.

The Early Years: Post-Colonial Narratives

In the years following independence, Indian cinema was grappling with questions of identity and legacy. Films like Purab Aur Paschim (1970) tackled these themes head-on. Directed by Manoj Kumar, the film contrasted Indian traditions with Western influences, using Britain as a setting to explore moral and cultural dilemmas. The film’s depiction of London was not just about the physical space but about a broader commentary on values, identity, and the idea of home.

A similar approach was seen in Gandhi (1982), Richard Attenborough’s Oscar-winning film, which, while not a Bollywood production, was deeply embedded in India’s cinematic consciousness. Ben Kingsley’s portrayal of Mahatma Gandhi resonated across audiences, and the film’s depictions of South Africa, India, and Britain brought colonial history to life for a global audience.

The Romantic Era: Love in London

As Bollywood evolved in the 1990s, Britain became the backdrop for grand romance. Yash Chopra, the undisputed king of romance in Indian cinema, used British locations extensively, most notably in Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995). The film, which follows Raj (Shah Rukh Khan) and Simran (Kajol) as they navigate love across continents, features iconic scenes in London. The film’s popularity turned certain locations, such as Trafalgar Square and King’s Cross Station, into pilgrimage sites for fans.

This trend continued with Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001), where London served as more than a picturesque setting—it was a character in its own right. The film, steeped in themes of family, duty, and identity, used Britain to highlight the split between tradition and modernity. Bollywood’s vision of London in these films was glossy and aspirational, making Britain an almost mythical space of opportunity and romance.

The Diaspora Connection: Stories of Migration and Identity

One of the most significant ways Britain has featured in Indian films is through stories of the Indian diaspora. Bend It Like Beckham (2002), though a British film, resonated deeply with Indian audiences and reflected a reality for many British Asians navigating dual identities. Bollywood took on similar themes with Namastey London (2007), where Katrina Kaif’s character symbolized the push and pull between an Indian heritage and a British upbringing.

Films like Patiala House (2011), starring Akshay Kumar, took the sporting dream narrative and set it against a backdrop of British-Asian struggles. Cricket, a sport that binds both nations, became the metaphor for belonging and aspiration. The film not only depicted London authentically but also acknowledged the racial and cultural challenges faced by immigrants in Britain.

The Heist and Action Genre: A London Playground

British cities have also been favoured locations for Bollywood’s action-packed thrillers. Films like Dhoom 3 (2013) and Bang Bang! (2014) used London’s streets, bridges, and landmarks for high-octane chases and explosive sequences. These films mirrored the Hollywood tradition of big-budget action spectacles, proving that Britain could serve as an adrenaline-pumping playground just as well as New York or Los Angeles.

The Race franchise also made use of British locations, reinforcing an image of London as a city of intrigue, luxury, and deception. This glamorous depiction of Britain sits in stark contrast to earlier films that questioned Western values, demonstrating Bollywood’s evolving view of the UK.

The Bollywood Wedding Boom: A British Affair

In recent years, Bollywood has used Britain as the setting for lavish wedding dramas. Films like Shaandaar (2015) and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016) showcased sprawling English estates, countryside castles, and opulent banquets that fit Bollywood’s love for grandeur. These films presented Britain as an aspirational dreamscape for elite, cross-cultural nuptials, solidifying the UK as a preferred wedding destination for Indian elites both on and off the screen.

Britain as a Political and Social Landscape

Beyond the glamour, some films have tackled more serious themes, using Britain as a lens to explore social and political issues. Mangal Pandey: The Rising (2005) delved into colonial history, dramatizing the events that led to the 1857 uprising. More recently, Viceroy’s House (2017) provided an Indo-British perspective on Partition, offering a view of Britain’s role in India’s tumultuous independence struggle.

Additionally, Hotel Mumbai (2018), though focused on the 2008 Mumbai attacks, had a strong British connection through its international cast and production ties, underscoring how Britain and India continue to be linked in global narratives.

The Future of Bollywood in Britain

Today, Bollywood’s relationship with Britain remains as dynamic as ever. Streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime have further expanded Indian content’s reach in the UK, while filmmakers continue to scout British locations for their cinematic appeal. British-Indian actors, too, are gaining prominence, bridging the two industries in ways that go beyond just setting and scenery.

Whether it’s romance in the streets of London, a heist in the alleys of Soho, or a wedding in a Yorkshire mansion, Bollywood’s love affair with Britain is far from over. The relationship between these two cinematic cultures has been built over decades, reflecting not just nostalgia and history, but also an evolving and contemporary partnership that continues to shape the way stories are told on screen.

Do you remember Britain in any of the films you watched?

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